Top 13 Castles around Rossana
Castles around Rossana, a municipality in Piedmont, Italy, offer a glimpse into the region's rich history and architectural heritage. The area is characterized by its location in the Varaita Valley, providing a backdrop of hills and the Cottian Alps. While Rossana's own castle is largely in ruins, the surrounding landscape hosts several notable historical sites. This region combines historical significance with natural scenery, making it a destination for those interested in exploring Piedmontese heritage.
Best castles around Rossana
- The most popular castles is Castellar Castle, a castle that dominates a characteristic village in the Bronda Valley. It is situated amidst orchards and vineyards, offering views from its hilltop position.
- Another must-see spot is Rossana Castle (Ruins), a historical castle site. These ancient ruins are reachable via various trails and represent a historical landmark of the area.
- Visitors also love Historic center of Piasco, a historical site with ancient origins. This center features medieval testimonies such as the civic tower and the Church of San Giovanni, alongside the 17th-century Porporati castle.
- Rossana is known for its historical castles, castle ruins, and historical centers with castle elements. The area offers a variety of historical structures to explore, ranging from well-preserved residences to ancient ruins.
- The castles around Rossana are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 20 upvotes and 3 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 22, 2026
Historic center of Piasco
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Among the medieval testimonies still visible today, the civic tower, once a bell tower, and the Church of San Giovanni stand out. The Porporati castle, dating back to 1655, dominates the historic center.
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Manta Castle
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Verzuolo
Highlight • Settlement
The village preserves medieval elements, such as decorated peaks and terracotta friezes from the 15th century, as well as a house with a typical Gothic structure.
The parish church of Saints Philip and James, built in the 18th century, houses significant works of art, including a fresco depicting the "Pietà" dated 1422.
The recent history of Verzuolo is linked to the Burgo paper mill, founded at the beginning of the 20th century by the engineer Luigi Burgo, who contributed to the economic development of the area.
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Castellar Castle
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Rossana Castle (Ruins)
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Tips from the Community
Going to Castellar without passing by the castle is impossible 🤪
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Piasco, located on the left of the Varaita stream, has ancient origins. It was a Roman customs station and then passed from the Lords of Venasca to the Marquises of Saluzzo up to the Savoy. Among the medieval testimonies still visible today, the civic tower, once a bell tower, and the Church of San Giovanni stand out. The Porporati castle, dating back to 1655, dominates the historic center.
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Built in the 13th century as a military outpost, Manta Castle was transformed in the 15th century by Valerano, regent of the Marquisate of Saluzzo, into a sumptuous family residence. The Baronial Hall was decorated with unique frescoes on the culture of chivalry, including the Fountain of Youth and figures of heroes and heroines of antiquity. In the 16th century, the complex underwent further modifications, including the Salone delle Grottesche, decorated in Mannerist style. Next to the castle, don't miss the church with frescoes on the Passion of Christ and the panoramic park on the Varaita valley.
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Verzuolo, located in the Varaita Valley, boasts a medieval village rich in history and architecture. The castle, built in 1377 by the Marquis Federico II of Saluzzo on the ruins of a previous fortress from the 11th century, dominates the town from above. The village preserves medieval elements, such as decorated peaks and terracotta friezes from the 15th century, as well as a house with a typical Gothic structure. The parish church of Saints Philip and James, built in the 18th century, houses significant works of art, including a fresco depicting the "Pietà" dated 1422. The recent history of Verzuolo is linked to the Burgo paper mill, founded at the beginning of the 20th century by the engineer Luigi Burgo, who contributed to the economic development of the area.
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Church that can be visited with the Manta Castle ticket. Inside there are some very valuable paintings. It is a property preserved thanks to the FAI. In the photo some more information about the church.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most historically significant castles near Rossana?
While Rossana's own castle is largely in ruins, the surrounding area offers several historically rich sites. Manta Castle, built in the 12th century, is renowned for its exceptional Late Gothic frescoes. The Historic center of Piasco features the 17th-century Porporati Castle, offering a glimpse into noble residences of that era. Additionally, the medieval village of Verzuolo boasts a castle dating back to 1377.
Are there any family-friendly castles or historical sites to visit?
Yes, several sites are suitable for families. Manta Castle is listed as family-friendly and offers beautiful gardens and impressive frescoes that can engage visitors of all ages. Castellar Castle, dominating a picturesque village, is also considered family-friendly, providing a charming setting for exploration.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around Rossana, nestled in the Varaita Valley, offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous cycling routes, including touring bicycle options like the 'Busca – Historic center of Piasco loop' or more challenging road cycling routes such as 'Colle dell'Agnello from Valle Varaita'. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are trails like the 'Croce di Busca – Rossana Castle (Ruins) loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the Cycling around Rossana, Road Cycling Routes around Rossana, and MTB Trails around Rossana guides.
Can I visit the original Rossana Castle?
The original Castello di Rossana dates back to around 1000 AD, but it is largely in ruins. The main tower collapsed in 2011, and it is not a fully preserved or easily visitable structure in the traditional sense. However, the Rossana Castle (Ruins) are a historical landmark reachable via various trails, offering a glimpse into its past.
What makes Manta Castle a must-see attraction?
Manta Castle is considered one of the best in the region due to its exceptional Late Gothic frescoes, particularly the 'Cycle of Heroes and Heroines' and the 'Fountain of Youth' in the Baronial Hall. It also features the 16th-century Hall of Grotesques, a castle church with frescoes, and beautiful gardens with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the Cottian Alps. Its restoration by the FAI ensures its preservation and accessibility.
Are there any castles with good viewpoints or scenic surroundings?
Yes, several castles offer excellent viewpoints. Castellar Castle is situated on a hilltop amidst orchards and vineyards, providing scenic views. Manta Castle also boasts beautiful gardens that offer panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the Cottian Alps. Even the Rossana Castle (Ruins) are noted as a viewpoint.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Rossana?
The region's castles are generally best visited during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is particularly beautiful. Spring offers blooming landscapes, while autumn provides vibrant foliage. Summer can also be pleasant, though it might be warmer. Winter visits are possible, but some attractions or outdoor areas might have reduced hours or accessibility.
Are there any specific walking or hiking trails that lead to or past these castles?
Yes, for those who enjoy walking or hiking, the Rossana Castle (Ruins) are reachable via multiple single tracks, with difficulty ranging between S2 and S3, often crossing points like Monte Pagliano. While specific walking trails directly to other castles aren't detailed, the area's natural setting in the Varaita Valley provides ample opportunities for walks in the vicinity of these historical sites.
What can I expect to see at the Historic center of Piasco?
The Historic center of Piasco is a well-preserved 'mountain' city with ancient origins. You can explore medieval testimonies such as the civic tower and the Church of San Giovanni. The 17th-century Porporati Castle also dominates the historic center. Much of the center is a pedestrian area, making it pleasant for leisurely exploration.
How long should I plan for a visit to a castle like Manta Castle?
For a comprehensive visit to Manta Castle, including its frescoes, the Hall of Grotesques, the castle church, and the panoramic gardens, you should plan for at least 2-3 hours. This allows enough time to appreciate the art, history, and scenic surroundings without feeling rushed.
Are there any ghost stories or unique local legends associated with these castles?
Yes, the Verzuolo Castle is particularly known for its local legends. It is said to be surrounded by ghost stories and strange voices that can be heard at night, adding a mysterious and intriguing element to its rich history.
What are the parking options for visiting castles near Rossana?
Specific parking details for each castle are not extensively provided, but for popular sites like Manta Castle, there are typically designated parking areas for visitors. For smaller villages like Castellar or Piasco, parking may be available in or near the historic centers. It's always advisable to check local signage upon arrival.
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